2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • hylynerhylyner Member Posts: 216
    Nevertheless, Sqchili is correct in his statement: "bad news is far more talked about than good".
    It's human nature. Moreover, as we age, pessimism tends to increase. Although it's regretful you feel as you do about all the problems you seem to have, what you're experiencing is far more "exception" than "rule.". 06Avs in general are getting good reviews. Sales figures, consumer polls, comments in forums like this one, quality and reliability surveys, etc., are as good confimation as any statistic you might search for.
  • sgchilisgchili Member Posts: 11
    Algee, the problem isn't THE Avalon, it's YOUR Avalon. For example, I hear no wind sounds - NONE. The seats are totally comfortable to me and my family. To hear you talk about it convinces me that you've got a bad apple. Your dealer telling you it's "normal" is dead wrong. We could take a poll here to prove that.

    Hylyner, you said it better than I could.
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Hylyner AND sgchili both said it better than I could!!!!
    zekeman1
  • gypsy13gypsy13 Member Posts: 28
    What confuses me is the expectation of perfection. Is there anyone who has absolute perfection in their own lives? Is it reasonable to expect it of others -- or our cars? If the cars being bitterly griped about are anything like my '06 limited, it may not be possible for the Avalon or any other car to satisfy some people. I'm willing to bet they are pretty much dissatisfied with everything else they own, too.

    Previously, I owned two new Lexus LS 400s...terrific cars, and more refined (comparing the same model years) than my Avalon. Considering the price difference, they should be. But my Avalon cost less than any car I've purchased in the past ten years and I think it a terrific value. It's probably not perfect, but if I find some tiny thing wrong, I'll not be whining about it.

    I know one purpose of this board is to identify problems and seek remedies. Fine. But if potential buyers were to come here and view these posts for the first time, and take seriously some of the bitter complaints posted over truly minor flaws, they'd likely be confused as to whether the car or the driver is flawed.

    I've driven this car 5,200 miles with no problems at all. I'm 6'3", 245, I find it comfortable, more powerful than my V-8 Lexus, and it gets great mileage.

    I apologize for being blunt, but some complaints here take the tone of the fairy tale about the princess and the pea.
  • jjr1jjr1 Member Posts: 16
    sdanders,
    I have the same knocking at idle. I have two mechanic friends, both say it's probably a lifter noise. One said it should not be there, may cause problem at like 150k, but
    said he would not worry. The other said he would not worry
    about it at all, it's just a bit noisy. He used to work in two different dealships (not Toyota). I also have wind noise outside passenger door window. I heard it was wind turbulence from the big rear view mirrors. I made a styrofoam cone and taped it on the front of the mirror, wind went from loud to just about none. Don't know what to do for a permenant fix, but since it's just air noise I'm not going to worry. I have an appointment with a regional tech at the dealership on Jan 13 for the engine noise. I'll also mention the wind. I'll post what happens. Please post anything you find out. Good Luck
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Boy, how I agree with all you've said. Often I am absolutely fascinated with some of the minutia that people find so show-stopping with the new Avalon. As I have posted before, it appears many have waaaaayyyyyy too much time on their hands! :)

    So, when I see postings about the need for "louder turn signals," I just move to the next title line and keep in mind, what is so important to one person, isn't to the next!
    zekeman1
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    princess and the pea and possibly the boy who cried wolf - this post is a 'cut and paste' that has been appearing for months!
  • hylynerhylyner Member Posts: 216
    First time I've seen it and I thought it was rather cute. Another way of underscoring the Pygmalion factor perhaps?
    Anyhoo, we shouldn't take these things too seriously, right?
  • gypsy13gypsy13 Member Posts: 28
    I never cut and pasted anything, Captain. I only visit this board occasionally, but if others have come to the same conclusions, perhaps that adds weight to what I said. If there is something about incidental repetition that irritates you, you must be eternally frustrated.

    I do think the board is a valuable place to learn things, like where to order parts, how significant problems have been addressed, etc. But expressions of outrage about "wind noise" in a car that has the exact same drag coefficient as my C-5 Corvette just don't engender sympathy.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    not referencing your post at all, but rather the one you were reponding too - a post that appears at least weekly in almost identical form.
    I have also found this forum helpful over the last several months and agree that many of the comments and/or complaints are sometimes minor - but to each his own. I don't have (or want) XM radio/NAV systems for example, so as a result can't find anything useful in the multiple posts on these subjects. But, I also understand that it is important to many of the Av owners out there. Wind noise - now that would certainly bother me if I had the problem - and I would anticipate being able to find possible fixes from some of the more knowledgeable members of this forum - of which, there are several.
  • gypsy13gypsy13 Member Posts: 28
    Thanks for the explanation, capt'n. Concerning wind noise, maybe I can learn something. How could there be a difference between cars? Each is shaped precisely the same. Difference in the way windows and doors seal, maybe. But tires would be a road noise factor, not wind. It would be interesting to get actual DB readings from wind-problem cars and others -- same road, same day, same conditions -- and see once and for all if there are Avalons out there producing vastly more wind noise or if there are drivers who are vastly more wind noise sensitive.
  • hylynerhylyner Member Posts: 216
    I honestly believe "Buyer's Remorse" may be a big factor in emotional condemnations sometimes seen here and other forums. Another trait of human nature-- I call it "conditioned expectation"--is that our marketing driven consumeristic culture creates certain expectations. The bulk of these is a "created" illusion, ie, there's an illusion of satisfaction/achievement/exhilaration that automatically goes with a new vehicle that we've been conditioned to expect.
    Sooner or later this illusion wears off, and we realize we've purchased what amounts to just another car--newer, but not much different from the one we had previously.
    So, for some, the positive experience goes south, and all the worts that EVERY car has (to a greater or lesser degree) become the focus. Folks get angst, find forums like this, and express their displeasure--sometimes to extremes.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    I think that some of this noise perceptaion is a condition of how quiet the car is otherwise. The first time I test drove the Avalon, I started the car and didn't even realize the engine was running, the second turn of the key crunching the starter, of course. The Avalon engine is perhaps the car's best feature and is extraordinarily quiet - factor in the fact that there is also very minimal road noise - and any other noises, rattles etc. etc. that you might not notice in other cars, become amplified. But, it is certainly possible that variances in individual car assembly (window seals etc.) will make some Avs noisier than others - a condition I would contend you will find in all mass produced cars, even the ones that cost much more than our Avs.
  • hylynerhylyner Member Posts: 216
    I started the car and didn't even realize the engine was running,
    It's happened to me more than once!! It certainly is a superbly quiet engine!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    is the Avalon. It is not other posters so let's get away from commenting about each other, please.
  • gypsy13gypsy13 Member Posts: 28
    No problem, Pat...except that it is natural to compare one's own feelings and views about a purchase with those of other buyers. Understanding the degree to which other people are pleased or distressed is valuable from an analytical standpoint, even if it sometimes proves heartening or irritating.

    I agree that it's too easy and natural to slip from an assessment of someone's evaluation of a car to an assessment of the credibility or mindset of the assessor...something I hereby pledge to try and avoid.
  • billygbillyg Member Posts: 29
    Concerning wind noise. I have a 2005 Limited and I find it very quiet. There has been some discussion that there is no difference between the various models, so the noise factor should be the same. The 2005 Avalon brochure Features List notes that only the Limited model is equiped with an "Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield."

    I am not going to get into a debate as to whether that makes a difference, but it is listed in Toyota's features.

    Regards
  • angeange Member Posts: 158
    Your comment about a test ride in the Avalon was just like mine. You could not hear the engine running during the start up of the test ride. But, let the car set for several days and start it up, and there is a big difference until the engine warms up.I have read about the lifters,rollers, and lobes, and all that info, the engine is noisy at cold start up; there is no way of saying it is not. I have my hearing testing and I amd told I am normal.I am not concerned aboutit,but it is what it is.ange1
  • maryjmaryj Member Posts: 53
    Picked up my XM kit today. Will be installed tomorrow. It does have the 'really' small antenna, even smaller than the Roady. For info, the part number has changed a digit. Maybe that was because of the small antenna. New number is PT547-07051. Thanks for all the help. Now if I can just convince the real Maryj that it is worth the money.
  • bigdad1bigdad1 Member Posts: 3
    Normally I wouldn't be too concerned about every little noise in my cars, but this one has a new engine and new designs sometimes come with flaws and may need to be checked out. It is unusual in that unlike most lifter type noises it doesn't go away when hot. If anything, it gets a little noisier. It sounds a bit like my shim in bucket adjuster on my Honda ST1100 Sport Touring motorcycle. I have a mechanic's stethoscope and it sounds like the front bank in the middle of the top end. Some have suggested piston slap but it is too high up and I think it may be related to the VVTEC-i system after looking at how it operates, and the mechanical parts it uses. It isn't a continual noise but bothersome enough to let one of Toyota's experts take a look. I have had several of the Honda VTEC engines, including the one in the NSX and Acura Legend. This may be something as simple as a shim needed. The wind noise was surprising though, even though my Highlander is also noisy. The dealer here in Knoxville seems willing to take a stab at improving things, even though they have no TSB to help them.
  • fivestar1fivestar1 Member Posts: 13
    Don't give up on the wind noise. You may have a fixable air leak. Your leak may be quieting down because the cone has changed the air flow conditions at the leak inlet.
  • jimmye1jimmye1 Member Posts: 4
    2006 Touring not on the buy toyota website. Discontinued for 2006?
  • meyerwebmeyerweb Member Posts: 15
    Not discontinued. I bought an '06 Touring last week. The dealer had 2 others, and other local dealers had 2 or 3 each, too.
  • meyerwebmeyerweb Member Posts: 15
    Hey Bigdad! I ride an ST1100, too. Are you active on any of the ST1100 forums or mail lists? (Is there a way to respond privately?)

    Anyway, my Avalon ('06 Touring) only has 350 miles on it, but there's no detectable (inside the cabin) valve noise, cold or hot. When I test drove it, the car was sitting on the lot, dead cold, and I was the one to start it.

    Right now the Avalon is the quietest car I've ever owned. I haven't done a back to back, but I'd say it's every bit as quiet as the Lexus ES300 / ES330's I've had a loaners when I take my IS300 in to the dealer. I hope it stays that way. And I hope you get yours cleared up.
  • mstemmstem Member Posts: 113
    Maryj, good luck and I wish you much enjoyable listening once your new XM kit is installed. I have had mine for four months and 5000 miles of pure audio bliss. I was concerned in the beginning if it would really be worth the $$$ expended. Now, it is scary to think about what I would pay to keep it! Becomes rather addictive, the lack of inane chatter and commercials is wonderful, the choices are almost overwhelming. Write back and let us know after you had a chance to really experience satellite radio... :)

    Mike
  • rufus5rufus5 Member Posts: 11
    Same here. :)
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    This is a "feature" that is intended to keep you from locking your keys in the car. My Buicks work this way too. Seems kind of silly since you don't have an ignition key to lock inside.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    you would think that cold start up would be the normal condition for almost all cars on a dealer lot - so if this valve noise is engine temp related wouldn't we both have heard it on a test drive?
    Something I did find interesting, test drove [3] Avalons all with less than 100 miles on them at a big city dealer where a test drive would not include many highway miles - yet they all showed 26-28 mpg on the trip computer. In that environment and considering that test drives generally involve judicious use of the accelerator, the Avalon would be lucky to see anything over 20 mpg. How do you suppose the dealer got the trip computers to read 28?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Can't say about others, but Porsche has an immediate real world test drive program once the cars roll off the end of the production line.
  • angeange Member Posts: 158
    I have a similiar unusual valve type noise at cold start up.When the engine is warm you have to check the tac to be sure it is running while behind the wheel. Toyota has done a prtty good job insulating the noise too.

    About an hour ago I wanted to see if the engine noise shows up .Temp at 32 F and car sat for two days.After backing the car out of an un heated garage, and raising the hood,the noise was very noticeable for about 1 minute. Sounded like no oil in the engine. I did notice a noise comming from the main engine drive pulley,it appears to vibrate-rattle. Someday when it is warmer I"ll check the pulley to see if it runs true. The engine never did did become real quiet, even after 3-5 minutes. This noise thing is a little annoying particuliarlly because it comes from a quality Toyota auto;So farI have accepted it and can live with it.ange1
  • bigdad1bigdad1 Member Posts: 3
    It is a strange thing for the noise in my engine to begin when it gets warmed up and not on a cold engine. It is not consistent either. Sometimes it is quiet as can be, and other times it sounds like a bad lifter with the noise going away and then returning, but it is frequent enough to keep me thinking about it. If I am at the ATM machine in the car I hear it reflected off of the wall or teller's station. It sure doesn't sound like the high end auto that I expected when I bought this one. I have an appt. on Monday 1/8 at the dealer to let them have a listen, but dealers are not usually too excited about chasing down consumer "perceived" noises. They often say that all engines make noise and that is "normal" engine noise...they are right, up to a point. I am beginning to hear too many comments about this particular noise, and it's unusual character. Will let you know what they find (if anything).
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    It is available on the buy a toyota website for me. Just went to the Indianapolis Auto Show last week and sat in one. In my humble opinion, it was one of the nicest cars there :)
  • maryjmaryj Member Posts: 53
    In the first few days after I got the Avalon, I started to wonder why I got rid of my Cad SLS and I began to look around for faults. Each time I saw a complaint in this forum, I was looking for that problem in my car. I found the loose fog light and the rattling window was driving me nuts until I put a length of weedeater line under the gasket. Even though the engine made me smile and the transmission was upsetting me, I made the decision to go back to Cadillac but I wanted a smaller CTS. I drove the most expensive model and while driving it, I had an awakening that made me wonder, what am I doing? That Cad was noisy, rough riding and cheaply outfitted and I could hardly wait to park it. I began to see my car in a new light. The seats are the most comfortable I have had. I used to always get a backache, no more. It's quiet, no wind noise. Power to suck you back into the seat. What transmission problems? Great handling, short turning radius. Lots of interior space. Are there things I don't like? Definitely. The only information I trust on the information panel is the radio freq. The outside air temp is tempermental and may change and may not. The miles to empty is screwed up and my big gripe is the trip timer and avg mpg resetting on their own.
    Would I trade for another car? Not at all. After 5,000 miles I'm used to it and it's used to me and it will be with me for awhile. And, that's something to say for someone who has owned over 50 cars in my short life. ;)
    Now, can someone tell me how to get rid of my wife's user name and put in my own??
  • billygbillyg Member Posts: 29
    Hello Again n0v8or and others on the board who have used the awell reverse warning alarm. As I noted before n0v8or, I used the exact same installation locations that you used per your post #10363. I found your information very helpful. Like you, I also got some annoying beeps which I assumed was from nearby objects. As for alerting me to objects close to the rear of the car, the system worked well. My problem is that the extraneous beeps are driving me crazy.

    I took the car to the middle of an empty parking lot. There was nothing within 50 feet. I put the car in reverse with the parking brake on and sure enough, the moderately timed beeps began in sets of 4 to 7 with about a 5 second pauses between sets.

    I removed the cover from the trunk trim to gain access to the control unit. I verified that the voltage was ok and than began removing and swapping sensor leads.

    What I found was that the two outside sensors were causing the beeps. I knew that the bumper's rear corners on the Avalon curved toward the front and that I could expect some side warnings. What I overlooked was that, at the corners, the bumper also is less vertical than in the center and as a result, the sensors are pointed slightly downward. My false beeps were the outside sensors picking up the parking lot surface.

    My sensors are all AW-20E0 and I have been considering replacing the two outside sensors (or perhaps all of them) with the models that have a built in 5 degree angle. I was even considering the 12 degree models, but they are larger in diameter and I am not anxious to drill larger holes.

    I am sorry to be so wordy, but I was wondering if you or any other forum members were having a similar problem? Also, does anyone have any suggestions?

    Thank you all for your patience.

    billyg
  • jjr1jjr1 Member Posts: 16
    I notice the same thing, that is, the engine noise comes and goes. I can sit at idle one time nice and quite, other times knock or tick. I did change the oil for the first time. Had some very small metal pieces between the folds of the filter. I'm hoping just from breakin. Will check next change and post. Believe it or not I like this car and hope this stuff turns out to be nothing.
  • pablo2pablo2 Member Posts: 17
    gypsy13 and fellow avalon owners, what kind of MPG are you getting in City driving. My latest tank I am only getting 18.4 MPG. However, I have been uning regular 87 octane gas. On the highway I get approximately 28 MPG. While using 91 on the highway I hit a high of 34 MPG at one occasion.

    Paul
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    Hello billyg,

    I just re-checked the position of the outside Awell sensors in my Avalon using a level. They are 23" from the ground and aimed very slightly downward, as you said; but not more than a couple of degrees off-vertical. On an empty level lot, I get no spurious beeps. I agree that getting angled sensors may cure your problem. Before you order them, though, you could try to pry loose the existing sensors and reposition them at different angles (try 5 and 12 degrees, if possible), to determine at which angle the extra beeps stop.

    havalongavalon
  • jameslazjameslaz Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 and I just got a 2006 Avalon Limited. I think the JBL stereo in the Avalon is better than the Accord. To me the Avalon is much quieter than the Accord and rides much nicer. I have been reading this form for a few weeks now and I have not had any of the problems people have listed. I think you will be happy with the Avalon moving up from the Accord. My only complaint is the Navigation system seems to be better or at least easier in the Accord. I am 42 and the Avalon is the best car I have ever had. It has such a nice ride and the power is there when you need it. To me it is a luxury car that has the power of a sports car.
    I hope this helps.
    Thanks,
    James
  • billygbillyg Member Posts: 29
    Thanks for your suggestion. I tried that to a degree by wedging a rounded tooth pick under the bottom edge of the outside sensors flange. It didn't help, but I am not sure if I really changed the angle of the sensor because the flange is somewhat flexible and the actual sensor is slightly recessed. Makes it hard to check the angle. My sensors are about 27" off the ground.

    Your suggestion is a good one and I'll pursue it.

    Regards

    billyg
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    Sorry to hear about your troubles. Just had mine installed yesterday. Installed them like post #8109 instructions except the outer sensors are closer to the center of the car. One problem I had was that a wire fell out of the fuse holder so I replaced the holder with a blade fuse holder. Mine doesn't sense the ground.
  • nidalnidal Member Posts: 9
    jameslaz, I was waiting for some body like you who has V6 accord and drove Avalon ltd 06 to tell me his experience, I already booked new one and should receive it by Jan 25th. Really I am scared too much. Because I am moving from Accord to avalon, I should have better move, otherwise it is waste of money. I pray to god to have same feeling as you do. I will let you know..
  • samchinchsamchinch Member Posts: 47
    I don't know what to tell you. Sounds like a pain in the butt. I have a 1999 Chrysler LHS and when my key is in the ignition I can't lock my car using the lock button on the door. But, all I have to do to override that is use my remote and hit lock and it works fine. I guess Toyota wants the car to be accesible to the thieves in this world.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    If they did it any other way, lots more people would be locking themselves out of the car with the key in the ignition.
  • bigdad1bigdad1 Member Posts: 3
    I now have about 11000 miles on my Avalon after just returning from a trip to Florida that put on about 1700 miles. No change noted in the ticking noise and the oil has been changed 3 times since I bought it. I bought it in Florida and drove it home to TN and put on about 650 miles doing so, but was very good about break-in and varied speed all the time and didn't speed or lug engine. Probably one of the best ways to break-in a new engine....did the same with my Highlander in 2002 (I like the dealer and my son lives nearby). It varies, so it makes me think that the intelligent valve system may not be too smart and there are oil feed problems....I know BMW had problems with their VANOS system (their version of intelligent valve control). A strictly mechanical problem would seem likely to be present all the time and consistent. A thin shim will be too thin all the time! But a variable intake and exhaust cam lobe positioning system based on engine speed, oil pressure and whatever else might be subject to more strange phenomena than I can explain.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    The Toyota Avalon will be featured in chase scenes in the new season of Fox's "24" January 15th.
  • jjr1jjr1 Member Posts: 16
    Your theory about VVT-i being at the heart of this noise sounds probable. I notice at idle with a load (high beam lights, and in drive) knocking or tapping more pronounced.
    Turn off lights put in neutral much, much, less noise. I also have an appointment with service on 1/13. Will post results.
  • jameslazjameslaz Member Posts: 5
    Best of luck to you. I just love my new Avalon. I took my girlfriend on a pick nick today and I was sitting there in the park just looking over at the car thinking how good it looks. I got the Phantom gray and it looks like such a classy car. Let me know what you think of yours once you have it and have put a few miles on it. I don't think there is car that compares to it for the price. I feel like I got a lot more car than I paid for.

    Thank you,
    James
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    Good instructions, BUT a Phillips head screwdriver, as shown in the owner's manual, works just as well. Turning the screwdriver counter clockwise raises the lights which is the same as turning the bolt clockwise.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I had to remove bahraini_zupra's post because the pictures were so wide they were distorting the page. I've asked to repost using a link to the pictures instead of displaying them in his post.
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    Glad you did because it certainly may everything too wide.
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